Beowulf As An Epic Hero

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Beowulf 1. How does Beowulf embody the idealized epic hero for the Anglo-Saxons? What traits make him larger than life? What characteristics are meant to be models for the audience? Beowulf embodies the idealized epic hero in the Anglo-Saxon culture that come together to create and epic tale. Beowulf displays many of the characteristics that are respected by the Anglo-Saxon culture. He displays many of the same virtues, beliefs and traits. Throughout the tale Beowulf displays his virtues through a series of different circumstances that show him as an epic hero as displayed by the Anglo-Saxon’s. In the tale he is described as the being the greatest and strongest of anyone in the world. Many people who know of him idealize him. He stands…show more content…
Those around him respected him because he was fearless. This shows by the way he killed Grendel. He used only his bare hands to slay the beast because he had no fear of being without protection. Beowulf says this in the tale, “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster” This natural fearlessness was his greatest virtue. He stood for good and fought with honor to defend the glory of his people. He also displayed that he was a great leader and was able to take charge of the situation that faced him. Beowulf was a wise man that defended his people no matter what and was willing to do anything to protect them and the land he ruled. He is willing to sacrifice his own life for the safety of his people. He was a selfless epic hero who defended the things he believed in with everything he had. Beowulf is seen as an epic-hero by the Anglo-Saxon culture because of these characteristics. He was admired for his selfless leadership, leadership, and his physical strength. Throughout the tale he shows his characteristics without falter and because of this he is a true

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